Activists demand an immediate arms embargo on Israel and seek dialogue with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. A group of activists are now on their fifth day of a hunger strike in front of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen with a clear demand: Denmark must stop all arms exports to Israel. The initiators want a direct dialogue with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen (M), to discuss the cessation of permits for arms exports. Nicholas Nyrop Vinthen, one of the five hunger striking activists, states: “The government can easily stop issuing these permits, and such a statement would mean that we could pack our things and start eating again,” he says. “Otherwise, Løkke must come down and hear why it is important to comply with international law and stop exporting weapons or weapon parts to countries where there is a risk of war crimes.” Vinthen reveals that the activists have already engaged in dialogue with politicians from the SF and Enhedslisten parties as well as the Minister of Culture, Jakob Engel-Schmidt (M). They also try to contact government politicians who pass by them on the street, but often encounter rejection or denial that arms exports to Israel are taking place. The hunger strike is organized by activists from Palestine Solidarity Network, Students Against Occupation, Global Action, and Jews for a Just Peace. The hunger strikers are determined to continue their action and are prepared to take significant physical risks for their cause. “We are willing to get sick and endure physical hardship. We have so much support around us that we can go really far, and that’s what we want to do if this drags on,” says Vinthen, adding that the government is under pressure from many sides. He hopes that this pressure will prompt the government to change course quickly. The group has a doctor on hand monitoring their health, but it is up to each activist to decide whether to continue beyond the doctor’s recommendations.

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